MEDIA RELEASE

Hon Dr Pita Sharples

Co-Leader of the Maori Party

28 May 2009

AQUACULTURE: $15m to finalise settlement

The Maori Party welcomes the allocation of $15.9 million over the next two years to settle outstanding Treaty settlements over aquaculture.

“Before the elections, the Maori Party promised to make urgent progress on this issue,” Dr Pita Sharples said.

“Most iwi have been waiting for four years to receive their settlement, so this money could not have come soon enough for them and we’re thankful to Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley for hearing our concerns.”

The extra money will be used to fulfil the Crown’s statutory obligation to Maori for aquaculture permitting decisions under the Maori Commercial Settlement Act and interests associated with the early settlement of the Crown obligations to iwi in the South Island and Coromandel.

The money will see $4.9 million allocated in 2009/10 and $10.9 million allocated the following year.

ENDS

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